Court Issues Judgment on Individual Accused of Sending 544 Messages and Stalking K-pop Artist

Courtesy of Jeong Eun-ji's instagram

A local court has sentenced the stalker of Apink's Jeong Eun-ji to a one-year prison term, suspended for two years, according to reports from Thursday. The individual, identified as Cho and in their 50s, was convicted for sending 544 messages to the artist since 2020, with content that included a request to be accepted as a butler and partner. 

▲ Courtesy of Jeong Eun-ji's instagramIn addition to the suspended prison term, the court placed Cho on probation, mandated 120 hours of volunteer service, and imposed a fine of 100,000 won ($75).

The stalking incidents date back to May 2020, when Cho, on a motorcycle, pursued Jeong Eun-ji from the KBS building in Yeouido to her hair and makeup salon. Subsequent incidents involved Cho staking out around the artist's residence in 2021. Despite a warning from Jeong Eun-ji's agency, Play M Entertainment (now IST Entertainment), Cho persisted in sending messages, leading the agency to file a complaint in August 2021.

The court emphasized that the nature of the messages surpassed expressions of love and support typical of fan interactions, characterizing Cho's actions as a serious crime. Jeong Eun-ji reportedly experienced severe mental distress, anxiety, and fear as a result. The court noted Cho's lack of remorse and denial of charges in its judgment.

Cho has appealed the court's decision.

Sayart 

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